Scammers are defrauding people in an attempt to get either cash or bank account details.
Scammers are posing as customer care executives from network providers (Vodafone, Airtel or Jio) and asking for money or sensitive information from unsuspecting customers under the guise of upgrading their 4G SIMs to 5G.
With 5G rolling out in some parts of the country, scammers have found a new way of conning people. According to a recent report by Check Point Software, scammers are posing as customer care executives from Vodafone, Airtel or Jio and offering assistance to unsuspecting customers in upgrading their 4G SIMs to 5G.
“Cyber fraudsters are sending links in the name of 5G. If you open the link, there is a risk of hacking the phone. If you are not alert, you will be in danger. Accounts are being emptied by sending links to upgrade from 4G to 5G SIM. The links are being sent with the names of respective telecom companies," Hyderabad police said in a Twitter post.
Earlier this week, Mumbai Police shared a tweet saying “Risk Alert! Upgradation in tech brings about a new wave of scammers waiting to pounce. The most recent one is fraudsters offering to guide you to convert to 5G. Do not share your personal/banking information or click on any unknown links."
The new phishing method works by sending customers phishing links that require them to enter personal or sensitive information such as bank passwords or OTPs and taking money from their account. A few days back, Mumbai Police has also informed their followers of a scam where the scammers were demanding money under the guise of helping them upgrade to a 5G SIM.
Keep in mind that most companies are upgrading existing SIMs to 5G. You DO NOT need to swap your SIM to get 5G connectivity. For those wondering when their phone will get the required 5G software support, you can read our detailed article on the same.
- Compiled by Anita Natu
Sources:
https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/4g-to-5g-sim-upgrade-scam-8213224/